Obituary MR K. M. SLEIGHT

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28987, 31 August 1959, Page 13

Obituary MR K. M. SLEIGHT

(New Zeatana Press Association) WELLINGTON, August 30. Mr K. M. Sleight, chief private secretary to four New Zealand Prime Ministers, died suddenly in Wellington today. He was 57. Mr Sleight served in Parliament House for 35 years before he retired m Aprif last year. He was private secretary to ministers in successive Governments since

1928 and became chief private secretary to the Prime Minister in 1948. He attended many important overseas conferences with the Prime Ministers he served. Tonight, the former Prime Minister (Sir Sidney Holland), whom he served for eight years, said. “Ken Sleight was a great chap.'"

In Auckland, the Prime Ministei (JVIr Nash) said: “We have lost a valuable servant. Throughout his life Mr Sleight has given unexcelled service.”

Mr Sleight was born in Yorkshire and came to New Zealand as a child. He was educated at Wanganui Technical College and joined the Public Service in 1919

He served in the Middle East in World War LI with the rank of Warrant Officer. He was a Justice of the Peace and was awarded the C.B.E.

He became ill just before leaving for Australia on a holiday trip with h:s wife and only son.